On February 26, 2026, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif gave the green light to an ambitious new policy named “One Punjab, One Standard,” which aims to establish consistent and uniform standards for public infrastructure and civic amenities throughout the province. This landmark decision was made during a dedicated meeting convened by the chief minister, where senior officials deliberated on the creation of an autonomous body responsible for overseeing the standardisation and urban planning processes across Punjab’s cities and towns.
The meeting culminated in an in-principle consensus to form a specialized standardisation and design unit. This entity will be tasked with supervising the rollout of uniform development models, ensuring that all public infrastructure projects adhere to a cohesive set of guidelines. Officials presented plans to develop a comprehensive design manual that will serve as a blueprint for all future construction and urban development initiatives in the province.
Under the new policy, a wide range of public facilities and urban elements will follow standardized designs. This includes roads, green belts, signboards, footpaths, roadside kiosks, and small commercial cabins, all of which will be constructed or renovated the newly established criteria. Furthermore, public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and bus stops will also adopt these uniform design standards, promoting a consistent visual identity across Punjab’s diverse urban landscapes.
The government believes that this move will significantly enhance urban planning efforts, foster visual harmony, and improve the overall delivery of public services in cities throughout the province. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the ultimate goal is to transform every city in Punjab into a well-organized, attractive, and modern urban center. She highlighted that the introduction of uniform infrastructure and street furniture will not only boost the aesthetic appeal but also reinforce the unique identity of each urban area.
In an interesting aside, during her visit to Murree via the Murree Expressway, the chief minister was spotted preparing tea at a roadside stall, a moment that quickly caught the public’s attention and was widely circulated on social media platforms. This informal gesture was seen as a reflection of her connection with ordinary citizens and her hands-on approach to governance.
Overall, the “One Punjab, One Standard” policy marks a significant step forward in Punjab’s urban development strategy, promising to bring greater cohesion, efficiency, and beauty to the province’s public spaces and infrastructure networks in the coming years.
